Snow Emergency Safety Guide: What to Do During Blizzard Conditions

Blizzards and severe winter storms can create dangerous conditions in just minutes. Heavy snow, high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility can quickly overwhelm roads, homes, and emergency services. Knowing what to do during a snow emergency can prevent injuries, frostbite, hypothermia, and even fatalities.

This guide from BVAC Rescue Response Training Center provides practical, real-world safety steps to help families, workplaces, and community members prepare before, during, and after a blizzard.

What Qualifies as a Blizzard?

A blizzard is more than heavy snowfall. It typically includes:

• Sustained winds of 35 mph or higher
• Blowing snow that reduces visibility to ¼ mile or less
• Conditions lasting at least 3 hours
• Rapid temperature drops and dangerous wind chills

Blizzard conditions increase the risk of traffic accidents, stranded vehicles, carbon monoxide exposure, falls, and cold-weather medical emergencies.

Before the Storm: Preparation Is Critical

Preparation reduces panic and saves lives.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Keep these items at home and in your vehicle:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Bottled water and non-perishable food (3-day supply)
• Blankets and warm clothing
• First-aid kit
• Battery-powered phone charger
• Ice melt and shovel
• NOAA weather radio
• Necessary medications

Protect Your Home

• Insulate exposed pipes
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Have safe backup heat (never use outdoor grills indoors)
• Stock up on pet food and supplies

Plan Ahead

• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Fuel vehicles before the storm
• Know your local snow emergency parking rules

During the Blizzard: Stay Safe Indoors

If authorities issue a snow emergency or travel ban:

• Stay inside unless absolutely necessary
• Dress in layers to retain body heat
• Close off unused rooms
• Keep space heaters 3 feet from flammable materials
• Never run generators inside the home or garage

Watch for Carbon Monoxide

Snow-blocked vents can trap deadly carbon monoxide.
Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion

If suspected, call 911 immediately and get everyone outside to fresh air.

If You Become Stranded in a Vehicle

If you are caught driving and conditions deteriorate:

• Pull over safely
• Turn on hazard lights
• Stay in the vehicle
• Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour (ensure exhaust pipe is clear of snow)
• Crack a window slightly for ventilation
• Use blankets to conserve heat

Do not attempt to walk in whiteout conditions.

Cold-Related Medical Emergencies

Hypothermia

Occurs when body temperature drops dangerously low.

Signs:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Clumsiness
• Drowsiness

Frostbite

Most common on fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

Signs:

• Numbness
• Pale or grayish skin
• Hard or waxy skin

If symptoms worsen or someone becomes confused, lethargic, or unconscious, call 911 immediately.

When to Call 911 During a Snow Emergency

Call 911 if someone experiences:

• Trouble breathing
• Severe chest pain
  
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
  
• Signs of hypothermia
  
  
• Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
  
  
• Uncontrolled bleeding from a fall
  
  
• Serious injury from ice or vehicle accidents

When in doubt, call.

Preventing Injuries While Shoveling Snow

Snow shoveling is physically demanding and can trigger heart attacks.

Safety Tips:

• Warm up before starting
• Push snow instead of lifting when possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid overexertion

Stop immediately if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

Community Members Are the First Responders

During blizzard conditions, emergency services may be delayed. That means neighbors, coworkers, and family members are often the true first responders.

Basic emergency training builds confidence and improves outcomes before professional help arrives.

Training Makes the Difference

While preparation is important, hands-on training provides real confidence.

BVAC Rescue Response Training Center offers:

• CPR/AED Certification
• First Aid Training
• Stop the Bleed
• BVAC First Response Essentials
• Tactical Medicine Training

These programs prepare you to respond calmly and effectively during weather-related emergencies.

Stay Prepared. Stay Safe.

Blizzards are unpredictable—but preparation saves lives.

For upcoming training courses or emergency preparedness programs, visit BVAC Rescue Response Training Center in Bayside, Queens, NY.